Mobile Ipv6 Route Optimization in Different Address Spaces

ABSTRACT

A route optimization method ( 300, 600 ) is described herein which is used by an IPv6 mobile node ( 402, 702 ) to communicate with another IPv6 node ( 404, 704 ) by transmitting and receiving IPv6 traffic within an IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel ( 407, 707 ) through an IP network ( 412, 712 ) without routing the IPv6 traffic through a home agent ( 410, 708 ) of the mobile node, wherein at least one of the IPv6 mobile node and the another IPv6 node is located in an IPv4 access network ( 406   a   , 406   b   , 716   a   , 718   b ).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an IPv6 mobile node that can move to anIPv4-only access network and still retain its reachability to anotherIPv6 node located in a different address space.

2. Description of Related Art

The following abbreviations are herewith defined, at least some of whichare referred to in the ensuing description of the prior art and thepreferred embodiments of the present invention.

MN Mobile Node is a mobile terminal which can communicate with othermoving or stationary nodes using its home address while it is changingits attachment point to the Internet (IP network).

HA Home Agent is a router in the MN's home network.

CN Correspondent Node is an IPv6 node. The MN is also a CN but CN couldalso be a node which doesn't move at all.

NAT Network Address Translator.

CoA Care-of Address is an IPv6 or IPv4 address which is used by the MNin the visiting network. This address changes as the MN changes itsattachment to the Internet. When the MN is attached to an IPv4 accessnetwork it also needs a UDP port number together with its IPv4 CoA. Thisis because the IPv4 tunnelling could be going through one or more NATsand they need the UDP port to perform the address translation.

HoA Home Address of the MN is the IPv6 or IPv4 address it is alwaysreachable from. If the MN is not in a home link the HA will tunnel thepackets to the MN which arrive to the HoA of the MN.

HL Home link.

HoTI Home Test Init.

HoT Home Test.

CoTI Care-of Test Init.

CoT Care-of Test.

BU Binding Update.

BA Binding Acknowledgement.

In the wireless communications field, a protocol known as Mobile IPv6 isused today which allows IPv6 MNs to remain reachable while moving aroundin IPv6 access networks connected to an IP network like the Internet.Without this mobility support, packets destined to an IPv6 MN would notbe able to reach it while it is located away from its home link. TheMobile IPv6 protocol is described in detail in the following documents:

S. Deering et al., “Internet Protocol, Version 6 (IPv6) Specification”,RFC 2460, December 1998.

D. Johnson et al., “Mobility Support in IPv6”, RFC 3775, June 2004.

The contents of these documents are incorporated by reference herein.

In addition to the IPv6 access networks, there are also IPv4 accessnetworks in use today that are connected to the Internet. The IPv4access networks are designed and made in accordance with anotherprotocol known as Mobile IPv4. The Mobile IPv4 protocol enables an IPv4MN to be reached while it is located in an IPv4 access network that isnot its HL. The Mobile IPv4 protocol is described in detail in thefollowing document:

C. Perkins, “IP Mobility Support”, RFC 2002, October 1996.

The contents of this document are incorporated by reference herein.

Unfortunately, the Mobile IPv4 and Mobile IPv6 protocols are designedfor IPv4-only access networks and IPv6-only access networks,respectively. As such, the Mobile IPv6 protocol does not providebackwards compatibility to IPv4 networks. This means that Mobile IPv6 isnot capable of mobility management across IPv4 (public and private)access networks. However, mobility management of IPv6 MNs located inIPv4 (public and private) access networks is particularly important.Because, IPv6 MNs (e.g., IPv6 mobile computers) are likely to accountfor a majority or at least a substantial fraction of the population ofthe devices that are going to be connected to the Internet. And, some ofthe access networks to the Internet will be IPv4-only access networks. Aproposed solution to this mobility management problem is described indetail below with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B (PRIOR ART), there is shown a diagram and asignaling flow diagram used to help explain a solution to the mobilitymanagement problem in a scenario where an IPv6 MN 110 moves to anIPv4-only access network 116 and can still retain its reachability to anIPv6 CN 102. As shown in FIG. 1A, the IPv6 CN 102 is located in a mixedIPv4/IPv6 access network 104 which has an IPv4 router 106 and an IPv6router 108. And, the MN 110 moved from a HL 112 which has a HA 114 to anIPv4 access network 116 which has an IPv4 router 118. The MN 110 is ableto communicate with the CN 102 via the Internet 120 as discussed next.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the MN 110 performs a home registrationwith the HA 114 after it moves from the HL 112 to the IPv4 accessnetwork 116 (see signals 1 and 2). To perform the home registration, theMN 110 sends a BU to the HA 114 (signal 1). Since, the MN 110 is locatedin the IPv4 access network 116 it adds an IPv4 Care-of address option tothe BU to learn its global IPv4 address and UDP port. Then, the HA 114sends the MN 110 a BA which carries the IPv4 Care-of address optionholding the MN's global IPv4 address and UDP port (signal 2). After thehome registration, the CN 102 sends traffic (tunneled data) to the MN110 via the HL 112 (see signal 3). The MN 110 also sends traffic(tunneled data) to the CN 102 via the HL 112 (see signal 4). Inaddition, the MN 110 has a routing table 122. An exemplary routing table122 is provided below:

MN's Routing Table 122: Destination: Next hop: Intf: “HA IPv6” “HA IPv4”UDP tunnelintf0 “HA IPv4” “default IPV4 router” Intf0

A drawback of this solution is that the incoming and outgoing trafficfor the MN 110 is always tunneled via the HA 114 which resides in the HL112. The same traffic route would still be needed even if the CN 102 andthe MN 110 were located in the same access network. This is because theCN 102 and MN 110 cannot engage in a route optimization procedure wherethe traffic is routed via the shortest path (MN 110, IPv4 router 118,Internet 120, IPv4 router 106, CN 102) since the CN 102 and MN 110 mayloose connectivity when the MN 110 moves to another access network (notshown in picture). It would be desirable if the MN 110 and CN 102 couldengage in a route optimization procedure. This need is addressed by thepresent invention.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B (PRIOR ART), there is shown a diagram and asignaling flow diagram used to help explain a solution to the mobilitymanagement problem in a scenario where an IPv6 MN 202 retains itsreachability to another IPv6 MN 212 even when both IPv6 MNs 202 and 212move to IPv4-only access networks 204 and 214. As shown in FIG. 2A, thefirst IPv6 MN 202 is located in an IPv4 access network 204 which has anIPv4 router 206. The first MN 202 moved to the IPv4 access network 204from a HL 208 which has a HA 210. The second IPv6 MN 212 is located inan IPv4 access network 214 which has an IPv4 router 216. The second MN212 moved to the IPv4 access network 214 from a HL 218 which has a HA220. And, the first MN 202 is able to communicate with the second MN 212via the Internet 222 and the HAs 210 and 220 as discussed next.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the first MN 202 performs a homeregistration with the HA 210 after it moves from the HL 208 to the IPv4access network 204 (see signals 1 a and 1 b). To perform the homeregistration, the first MN 202 sends a BU to the HA 210 (signal 1 a).Since, the first MN 202 is located in the IPv4 access network 204 itadds an IPv4 Care-of address option to the BU to learn its global IPv4address and UDP port. Then, the HA 210 sends the MN 202 a BA whichcarries the IPv4 Care-of address option holding the MN's global IPv4address and UDP port (signal 2 a). Likewise, the second MN 212 sends aBU to the HA 220 (signal 1 b). Since, the second MN 212 is located inthe IPv4 access network 214 it adds an IPv4 Care-of address option tothe BU to learn its global IPv4 address and UDP port. Then, the HA 220sends the MN 212 a BA which carries the IPv4 Care-of address optionholding the MN's global IPv4 address and UDP port (signal 2 b). Afterthe home registration, the second MN 212 sends traffic (tunneled data)to the first MN 202 via the two HLs 218 and 208 (see signal 3). Thefirst MN 202 also sends traffic (tunneled data) to the second MN 212 viathe two HLs 208 and 218 (see signal 4). In addition, the MN 202 and 212each have a routing table 224 and 226. Exemplary routing tables 224 and226 are provided below:

MN1 Routing Table 224: Destination: Next hop: Intf: “HA1 IPv6” “HA1IPv4” UDP tunnelintf0 “HA1 IPv4” “default IPV4 rouler” Intf0

MN2 Routing Table 226: Destination: Next hop: Intf: “HA2 IPv6” “HA2IPv4” UDP tunnelintf0 “HA2 IPv4” “default IPV4 router” Intf0

A drawback of this solution is that the incoming and outgoing trafficbetween MN 202 and MN 212 needs to be tunneled via two HAs 210 and 220which reside in the HLs 208 and 218. The same traffic route would stillbe needed even if both MNs 202 and 212 were located in the same accessnetwork. This is because the MNs 202 and 212 can not engage in a routeoptimization procedure where the traffic is routed via the shortest path(MN 202, IPv4 router 206, Internet 222, IPv4 router 216, MN 212) sincethe MNs 202 and 212 may loose connectivity when either or both of themmove to an IPv4 network 204 and 214. It should be noted that the two MNscan not optimize the routing between them even if they are in IPv6access networks because one of them might at any time move to an IPv4access network. It would be desirable if the MNs 202 and 212 couldengage in a route optimization procedure. This need is addressed by thepresent invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes a route optimization method which is usedby an IPv6 mobile node to communicate with another IPv6 node bytransmitting and receiving IPv6 traffic within an IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel through an IP network without routing the IPv6traffic through a home agent of the IPv6 mobile node, wherein at leastone of the IPv6 mobile node and the another IPv6 node is located in anIPv4 access network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had byreference to the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B (PRIOR ART) show two diagrams that are used to helpexplain a known solution which does not use a route optimizationprocedure to address the mobility management problem in a scenario wherean IPv6 MN can move to an IPv4-only access network and still retain itsreachability to an IPv6 CN;

FIGS. 2A and 2B (PRIOR ART) show two diagrams that are used to helpexplain a known solution which does not use a route optimizationprocedure to address the mobility management problem in a scenario wherean IPv6 MN retains its reachability to another IPv6 MN even when bothIPv6 MNs move to IPv4-only access networks;

FIGS. 3-5 show several diagrams that are used to help describe asolution in accordance with one embodiment of the present inventionwhich does use a route optimizing method to address the mobilitymanagement problem in a scenario where an IPv6 MN moves to an IPv4-onlyaccess network and still retains its reachability to an IPv6 CN; and

FIGS. 6-8 show several diagrams that are used to help describe asolution in accordance with another embodiment of the present inventionwhich does use a route optimizing method to address the mobilitymanagement problem in a scenario where an IPv6 MN retains itsreachability to another IPv6 MN even when both IPv6 MNs move toIPv4-only access networks.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIGS. 3-8, there are disclosed two embodiments of a routeoptimizing method 300 and 600 in accordance with the present invention.To aid in the discussion of the route optimizing methods 300 and 600,several different exemplary networks are used herein which include wellknown components like an IPv4 access network, IPv6 access network,IPv4/IPv6 access network, HL, HA, IP network (Internet), IPv4 router,IPv6 router etc . . . For clarity, the description provided herein omitscertain details about the well known components that are not necessaryto understand the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 3-5, there are shown several diagrams that are usedto help describe the first embodiment of the route optimizing method 300in accordance with the present invention. Basically, the routeoptimizing method 300 enables an IPv6 MN 402 to move to an IPv4-onlyaccess network 406 a and 406 b and still retain its reachability to anIPv6 CN 404. In this solution, the route optimization method 300 canwork between the MN 402 and the CN 404 in different address spaces withsome assumptions. First, the MN 402 and CN 404 both need to be a dualstack node meaning that they both have an IPv4 address and an IPv6address.

Also, the MN 402 and CN 404 must support tunneling of IPv6 traffic in anIPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel. In addition, the MN 402 and CN 404 haveto know their own globally routable IPv4 address and UDP port for thetunneling.

While, the MN 402 is attached to its HL 408 it can communicate with theCN 404 directly by using the CN's IPv6 address and its own IPv6 homeaddress (this situation is not shown in the scenarios of FIGS. 4 and 5).When the MN 402 moves to a foreign network, where it can obtain IPv6connectivity, it would normally start the traditional route optimizationprocedure between itself and the CN 404 (this situation is not shown thescenarios in FIGS. 4 and 5).

When the MN 402 is used in an environment where the IPv6 connectivitycan't be ensured like when it moves to an IPv4 access network 406, thenthe route optimization method 300 needs to be used so that there is apossibility that the IPv6 traffic can be efficiently routed between theMN 402 and CN 404 (this situation is shown in the scenarios of FIGS. 4and 5). In other words, the MN 402 should use the route optimizationmethod 300 (and method 600) because it has no prior knowledge if it ismoving to an IPv4 or an IPv6 access network.

Prior to discussing how the route optimization method 300 can be used intwo different scenarios which are shown FIGS. 4 and 5, a briefdiscussion is provided about the basic steps of the route optimizationmethod 300. First, the MN 402 determines the IPv4 reachability of the CN404 by checking if the CN 404 is sending the IPv4 Care-of Address optionin its traffic which is sent through a HA 410 to the MN 402 (see step302 in FIG. 3)(see also FIGS. 4 and 5). If yes, then MN 402 determinesif the CN 404 can establish an IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel 407through the Internet 412 directly between the MN 402 and CN 404 (seestep 304 in FIG. 3). If yes, then the MN 402 establishes the IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel 407 with the CN 404 (see step 306 in FIG. 3).Thereafter, the IPv6 traffic is routed within the IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel 407 back-and-forth between the MN 402 and CN 404(see step 308 in FIG. 3). If the determination in either of the steps302 and 304 is no, then the IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel 407 can notbe established and the MN 402 must send/receive the IPv6 traffic to/fromthe CN 404 through both the Internet 412 and the HA 410 (see step 310 inFIG. 3) (see FIG. 1A). A description about how steps 302, 304 . . . 308can be implemented is described in detail below with respect to the twoscenarios shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, there are shown a diagram and a signalingflow diagram which are used to help explain how the route optimizationmethod 300 can be used by the IPv6 MN 402 so it can retain itsreachability to the IPv6 CN 404 even after the MN 402 moves to anIPv4-public access network 406 a. As shown in FIG. 4A, the CN 404 islocated in a mixed IPv4/IPv6 access network 414 which has an IPv4 router416 and an IPv6 router 418. And, the MN 402 moved from the HL 408 to theIPv4-public access network 406 a which has an IPv4 router 420. The MN402 is able to communicate with the CN 404 through the IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel 407 via the Internet 412 as discussed next.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the MN 402 performs a home registrationwith the HA 410 after it moves from the HL 408 to the IPv4-public accessnetwork 406 a. To perform the home registration, the MN 402 sends a BUto the HA 410. Since, the MN 402 is located in the IPv4-public accessnetwork 406 a it adds an IPv4 Care-of address option to the BU to learnits global IPv4 address and UDP port. Next, the HA 410 sends the MN 402a BA which carries the IPv4 Care-of address option holding the MN'sglobal IPv4 address and UDP port. After the home registration, thetraffic between the MN 402 and the CN 404 can be route optimized inaccordance with method 300 as follows:

1. Tunneled data: The MN 402 receives tunneled traffic from the CN 404which includes the IPv4 Care-of Address option carrying the IPV4 addressand the UDP port of the CN 404. Upon receipt of this information, the MN402 starts the route optimization procedure towards the CN 404.2. HoTI: If the MN 402 knows the IPv4 address of the CN 404 it will sendthe HoTI message to the CN 404. The HoTI message is tunneled via the HA410 to the CN 404. In the HoTI message, one bit from the reserved fieldis set and used as a flag to inform the CN 404 that the MN 402 mightwant to tunnel traffic between the two nodes 402 and 404.3. CoTI: If the MN 402 knows the IPv4 address of the CN 404 it can sendthe CoTI message within the IPv4/UDP tunnel 407 directly to the CN 404.In the CoTI message, one bit from the reserved field is set and used asa flag to let the CN 404 know that the MN 402 might want to tunneltraffic between the two nodes 402 and 404.4. HoT: The CN 404 answers the HoTI message sent by the MN 402 with theHoT message. The HoT message is sent to the IPv4/IPv6 HoA of the MN 402and is tunnelled to the MN 402 via the HA 410. The CN 404 sets a flag inthe reserved field of the CoT message if it is capable of tunneling IPv6packets inside an IPv4/UDP tunnel 407.5. CoT: The CN 404 answers the CoTI message sent by the MN 402 with theCoT message. The CoT message is tunneled within the IPv4/UDP tunnel 407to the IPv4 address of the MN 402. The CN 404 sets a flag in thereserved field in CoT message to let the MN 402 know it is capable oftunneling IPv6 packets inside an IPv4/UDP tunnel 407. For the MN 402 toreceive the arriving CoT message it has to listen to the UDP port ituses for tunnelling IPv6 traffic inside the IPv4/UDP tunnel 407. Inparticular, the MN 402 listens to its private IPv4 address and UDP port.6. BU: When the MN has received the HoT and CoT messages (which have thespecified flag bit set) the MN 402 tunnels the BU message to the CN 404inside the IPv4/UDP tunnel 407. The MN 402 also updates its BindingUpdate List (BUL) entry for the corresponding CN 404 (see FIG. 4A). Ifany one of the flags in the reserved fields of the HoT and CoT messageswere not set, then the MN won't send the BU and the traffic will not beroute optimized between the two nodes 402 and 404.7. BA: When the CN 404 receives the BU it creates an entry to itsBinding Cache (BC) for the MN 402 and it also adds an entry for theIPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel 407 to its routing table (see FIG. 4A).After the BC entry is created, the CN 404 sends the BA message to the MN402. The BA message is sent through the IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel407 directly to the MN 402.8. Route Optimized data: After the successful exchange of BU and BAmessages, the MN 402 and CN 404 can tunnel all the IPv6 traffic betweenthem inside the IPv4/UDP tunnel 407.

As can be seen, the aforementioned route optimization procedure includesthe use of the HoTI, CoTI, HoT, CoT, BU and BA messages. Details aboutthese messages are well known and can be found in the followingdocument:

Johnson, Perkins, Arkko: “Mobility Support in IPv6”, RFC 3775, June2004.

The contents of this document is incorporated by reference herein.

The MN 402 includes a routing table 424 and a binding update list 426.And, the CN 404 includes a routing table 428 and a binding cache 430.Exemplary routing tables 424 and 428, binding update list 426 and abinding cache 430 are provided below:

MN's Routing Table 424: Destination: Next hop: Intf: “HA IPv6” “HA IPv4”UDP tunnelintf0 “CN IPv6” “CN IPv4” UDP tunnelintf1 “HA IPv4” “defaultIPv4 router” intf0 “CN IPv4” “default IPv4 router” Intf0

MN's Binding Update List 426: “CN IPv6” <-> “MN IPv6 CoA” <-> “MN IPv6HoA” <-> “HA IPv6” “CN IPv4” <-> “MN IPv4 CoA” <-> “MN IPv4 HoA” <-> “HAIPv4”

CN's Routing Table 428: Destination: Next hop: Intf: “MN IPv6 CoA” “MNIPv4 CoA” UDP tunnelintf0 “MN IPv4 CoA” default IPv4 router Intf0

CN's Binding Cache 430: “MN IPv6” HoA” <-> “MN IPv6 CoA” “MN IPv4” HoA”<-> “MN IPv4 CoA”

It should be noted that if the CN 404 does not support the tunneling ofthe IPv6 traffic inside an IPv4/UDP tunnel 407, then the MN 402 can notperform the route optimization with the CN 404 even if the MN 402 isattached to an IPv6 access network. This is because the MN 402 can notguarantee that it will not move to an IPv4 access network 406. It shouldalso be noted that the present invention can also be used if anyone ofthe MNs is connected to an intranet, extranet and even if anyone of theMNs is connected to an intranet/extranet which is then connected to theInternet.

Referring to FIG. 5, there is shown a diagram used to help explain howthe route optimization method 300 can be used by the IPv6 MN 402 so itcan retain its reachability to the IPv6 CN 404 even after the MN 402moves to an IPv4-private access network 406 b. As shown in FIG. 5, theCN 404 is located in a mixed IPv4/IPv6 access network 414 which has anIPv4 router 416 and an IPv6 router 418. And, the MN 402 moved from theHL 408 to the IPv4-private access network 406 b which has a networkaddress translator (NAT) 422.

The MN 402 is able to communicate with the CN 404 via the IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel 407 as discussed above with respect to FIGS. 4Aand 4B except that in this case the home registration procedure isdifferent due to the presence of the NAT 422. The difference in the homeregistration procedure is described next. When the MN 402 discovers thatit is attached to an IPv4-private access network 406 b it sends a BUmessage to it's HA 410. The MN 402 adds the “IPv4 Care-of AddressOption” to the BU message. In particular, the MN 402 uses its IPv4address as the care-of address and the source UDP port as the UDP port.Because, the IPv4-private access network 406 b is behind NAT 422, theoption will not get translated since it is inside the IPv6 header andthese headers are encrypted with IPSec. Thus, when the HA 410 receivesthe BU it compares the source address and UDP port of the outer headersof the tunneled packet with the IPv4 address and UDP port in the “IPv4Care-of Address Option”. If they are different, then the HA 410 copiesthe IPv4 source address and UDP port of the NAT 422 to the option fromthe received IPv4 header. This option is added into the BA which is sentback to the MN 402. In this way, when MN 402 receives the BA it willknow if it is situated behind a NAT 422. In addition, MN 402 knows theglobally routable IPv4 address and the UDP port which are needed fortunneling IPv6 traffic inside the IPv4/UDP tunnel 407. In addition, theMN 502 includes a routing table 524 and a binding update list 526. And,the CN 404 includes a routing table 528 and a binding cache 530.Exemplary routing tables 524 and 528, binding update list 526 and abinding cache 530 are provided below:

MN's Routing Table 524: Destination: Next hop: Intf: “HA IPv6” “HA IPv4”UDP tunnelintf0 “CN IPv6” “CN IPv4” UDP tunnelintf1 “HA IPv4” “defaultIPv4 router” intf0 “CN IPv4” “default IPv4 router” Intf0

MN's Binding Update List 526: “CN IPv6” <-> “MN IPv6 CoA” <-> “MN IPv6HoA” <-> “HA IPv6” “CN IPv4” <-> “MN IPv4 CoA” <-> “MN IPv4 HoA” <-> “HAIPv4”

CN's Routing Table 528: Destination: Next hop: Intf: “MN IPv6 CoA” “MNIPv4 CoA” UDP tunnelintf0 “MN IPv4 CoA” default IPv4 router Intf0

CN's Binding Cache 530: “MN IPv6” HoA” <-> “MN IPv6 CoA” “MN IPv4” HoA”<-> “MN IPv4 CoA”

Referring to FIGS. 6-8, there are shown several diagrams that are usedto help describe the second embodiment of the route optimizing method600 in accordance with the present invention. Basically, the routeoptimizing method 600 enables an IPv6 MN 702 to retain its reachabilityto another IPv6 MN 704 when either or both nodes 702 and 704 move toIPv4-only access networks 706 and 714. The MN 702 can use the routeoptimization method 600 between another MN 704 in a heterogeneousenvironment with some assumptions. First, the MNs 702 and 704 both needto have an IPv4 address and an IPv6 address. In addition, the MNs 702and 704 must support the tunnelling of IPv6 packets inside an IPv4/UDPtunnel 707. In addition, the MNs 702 and 704 must support the “IPv4Care-of Address Option”. This option is used by each of the MNs 702 and704 to learn their own globally routable IPv4 address and UDP port andto inform the other MN 702 and 704 to which IPv4 address it must tunnelthe route optimized IPv6 packets. It should be noted that the MNs 702and 704 can not optimize the routing between each other if they aresituated in access networks which are using different address versions.

Prior to discussing how the route optimization method 600 can be used intwo different scenarios which are shown FIGS. 7 and 8, a briefdiscussion is provided about the basic steps of the route optimizationmethod 600. First, the MN 702 (MN1) determines the IPv4 reachability ofthe MN 704 (MN2) by checking if MN 704 is sending the IPv4 Care-ofAddress option in its traffic which is transmitted through two HAs 706and 708 to MN 702 (see step 602 in FIG. 6)(see also FIGS. 7 and 8). Ifyes, then MN 702 determines if MN 704 can establish an IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel 707 through the Internet 712 directly between theMNs 702 and 704 (see step 604 in FIG. 6). If yes, then MN 702establishes one direction of the IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel 707 withMN 704 (see step 606 in FIG. 6). Likewise, the MN 704 also determinesthe IPv4 reachability of MN 702 by checking if MN 702 is sending theIPv4 Care-of Address option in its traffic which is transmitted throughtwo HAs 708 and 706 to MN 704 (see step 608 in FIG. 6)(see also FIGS. 7and 8). If yes, then MN 704 determines if MN 702 can establish theIPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel 707 through the Internet 712 directlybetween the MNs 702 and 704 (see step 610 in FIG. 6). If yes, then MN704 establishes one direction of the IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel 707with MN 704 (see step 612 in FIG. 6). Thereafter, the IPv6 traffic isrouted within the IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel 707 back-and-forthbetween the MNs 702 and 704 (see step 614 in FIG. 6). If thedetermination in either of the steps 602, 604, 608 and 610 is no, thenthe IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel 707 is not established and the MN 702must send/receive the IPv6 traffic to/from the MN 704 through both theInternet 712 and both HAs 706 and 708 (see step 616 in FIG. 6) (see FIG.2A). A description about how steps 602, 604 . . . 616 can be implementedis described in detail below with respect to the two scenarios shown inFIGS. 7 and 8.

Referring to FIGS. 7A and 7B, there is shown a diagram and a signalingflow diagram that are used to help explain how the route optimizingmethod 600 enables an IPv6 MN 702 to retain its reachability to anotherIPv6 MN 704 when both of them have moved to IPv4-public access networks716 a and 714 a. As shown in FIG. 7A, the first IPv6 MN 702 is locatedin an IPv4-public access network 716 a which has an IPv4 router 718. Thefirst MN 702 moved to the IPv4-public access network 716 a from a HL 720which has a HA 708. The second IPv6 MN 704 is located in an IPv4-publicaccess network 714 a which has an IPv4 router 722. The second MN 704moved to the IPv4-public access network 714 a from a HL 724 which has aHA 706. And, the first MN 702 is able to communicate with the second MN704 through the IPV4/UDP bi-directional tunnel 707 via the Internet 712as discussed next.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the first MN 702 performs a homeregistration with the HA 708 after it moves from the HL 720 to theIPv4-public access network 716 a (see signals 1 a and 2 a). To performthe home registration, the first MN 702 sends a BU to the HA 708 (signal1 a). Since, the first MN 702 is located in the IPv4-public accessnetwork 204 it adds an IPv4 Care-of address option to the BU to learnits global IPv4 address and UDP port. Then, the HA 708 sends the MN 702a BA which carries the IPv4 Care-of address option holding the MN'sglobal IPv4 address and the UDP port (signal 2 a). Likewise, the secondMN 704 sends a BU to the HA 706 (signal 1 b). Since, the second MN 704is located in the IPv4-public access network 714 a it adds an IPv4Care-of address option to the BU to learn its global IPv4 address andUDP port. Then, the HA 706 sends the MN 704 a BA which carries the IPv4Care-of address option holding the MN's global IPv4 address and UDP port(signal 2 b). After the home registration, the traffic between the MNs702 and 704 can be route optimized in accordance with method 600 asfollows:

1a and 1b. BU: Both MNs 702 and 704 send BU to their respective HAs 708and 706 when they move to new IPv4-only access networks 716 a and 714 a.Assuming the networks are IPv4 networks, each MN 702 and 704 adds theIPv4 Care-of address option to the BU messages to learn its global IPv4address and UDP port. These steps are part of the home registrationprocess.2a and 2b. BA: The home registrations are complete after the MNs 702 and704 receive the BAs from HAs 708 and 706. The BA messages also carry theIPv4 Care-of address option holding the MN's global IPv4 address and UDPport. The steps are part of the home registration process.3. Tunneled data: The MN 702 receives tunnelled data from the MN 704.This traffic holds the IPv4 Care-of address option carrying the globalIPv4 address and UDP port of MN 704. It should be appreciated that if MN702 is located in an IPv6 access network it will not initiate the routeoptimization if the packets arriving to it have the “IPv4 Care-ofAddress Option” in them. Also, if the two MNs 702 and 704 are in IPv6access networks the route optimization is done normally [see RFC 3775].4. HoTI: The MN 702 sends the HoTI message to MN 704. The HoTI messageis tunneled inside an IPv4/UDP tunnel to the HA 708. The HA 708 thensends the HoTI message to the HA 706. The HA 706 tunnels the packet toMN 704. In the HoTI message, there is a flag set in the reserved fieldto let the MN 704 know that MN 702 might want to tunnel traffic betweenthe two MNs 702 and 704.5. CoTI: The MN 702 also sends a CoTI message to MN 704.

The CoTi packet is tunneled directly to the MN 704 using its IPv4 CoAand the UDP port number specified in the “IPv4 Care-of Address Option”.In the CoTI message, one bit from the reserved field is set and used asa flag to let the MN 704 know that the MN 702 might want to tunneltraffic between the two nodes 702 and 704. In order for the MN 704 toreceive the CoTI message it has to listen to the UDP port it uses fortunnelling IPv6 traffic inside the IPv4/UDP tunnel 707.

6. Tunneled Data: Before the route optimization is completed, the MN 702sends packets to MN 704. The MN 702 adds the “IPv4 Care-of AddressOption” into the tunneled packets. These tunneled packets cause the MN704 to initiate the route optimization with the MN 702.7. HoT: The MN 704 answers the HoTI message sent by MN 702 with the HoTmessage if MN 704 supports the IPv4/UDP tunneling. This packet is sentto the HoA of the MN 702 and is tunnelled via the HAs 706 and 708 to MN702. In addition, the MN 704 sets a flag in the reserved field of theHoT message if it is capable of tunneling IPv6 packets inside anIPv4/UDP tunnel 707. It should be noted if the HoTI message did not havethe flag set in the reserved field of the message, then the MN 704 wouldnot reply to the HoTI message.8. CoT: The MN 704 answers the CoTI message sent by the MN 702 with theCoT message if the MN 704 supports the IPv4/UDP tunneling. This packetis tunneled directly to the IPv4 CoA and UDP port of the MN 702 whichwere provided in the “IPv4 Care-of Address Option” in the CoTI message.In addition, the MN 704 sets a flag in the reserved field of the CoTmessage if it is capable of tunneling IPv6 packets inside an IPv4/UDPtunnel 707. It should be noted if the CoTI message did not have the flagset in the reserved field of the message then the MN 704 would not replyto the CoTI message.9. HoTI: The MN 704 initiates the route optimization procedure when itreceives tunneled traffic from the MN 702 and these packets have the“IPv4 Care-of Address Option” in them. The MN 704 initiates theprocedure by sending a HoTI message to the IPv6 home address of MN 702.The HoTI message is tunneled via the HAs 706 and 708 to MN 702. In theHoTI message, there is a flag set in the reserved field to let the MN702 know that MN 704 might want to tunnel traffic between the two MNs702 and 704.10. CoTI: The MN 704 also sends a CoTI message to MN 702. The CoTipacket is tunneled directly to the MN 702 using its IPv4 CoA and the UDPport number specified in the “IPv4 Care-of Address Option”. In the CoTImessage, one bit from the reserved field is set and used as a flag tolet the MN 702 know that the MN 704 might want to tunnel traffic betweenthe two nodes 702 and 704. To receive the CoTI message, the MN 702 hasto listen to the UDP port it uses for tunnelling IPv6 traffic inside theIPv4/UDP tunnel 707.11. HoT: The MN 702 answers the HoTI message sent by MN 704 with the HoTmessage if MN 704 supports the IPv4/UDP tunneling. This packet is sentto the HoA of the MN 704 and is tunnelled via the HAs 706 and 708 to MN704. In addition, the MN 702 sets a flag in the reserved field of theHoT message if it is capable of tunneling IPv6 packets inside anIPv4/UDP tunnel 707. It should be noted if the HoTI message did not havethe flag set in the reserved field of the message then the MN 702 wouldnot reply to the HoTI message.12. CoT: The MN 702 answers the CoTI message sent by the MN 704 with theCoT message if the MN 702 supports the IPv4/UDP tunneling. This packetis tunneled directly to the IPv4 CoA and UDP port of the MN 704 whichwere provided in the “IPv4 Care-of Address Option” in the CoTI message.In addition, the MN 702 sets a flag in the reserved field of the CoTmessage if it is capable of tunneling IPv6 packets inside an IPv4/UDPtunnel 707. It should be noted if the CoTI message did not have the flagset in the reserved field of the message then the MN 702 would not replyto the CoTI message.13. BU: After the MN 702 has received the HoT and the CoT messages fromthe MN 704 it will send a BU to the MN 704 only if both of the messageshad the flag set in the reserved field. The BU is tunneled directly tothe IPv4 CoA and UDP port of MN 704. MN 702 also adds a BUL entry inwhich it adds the IPv6 HoA and CoA and the IPv4 CoA and UDP port of theMN 704. MN 702 also adds the routing table entry for the IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel 707 to MN 704.14. BA: The MN 704 adds a BC entry for the MN 702 when it receives theBU. Into this entry, the MN 704 adds the IPv6 HoA and CoA and the IPv4CoA and UDP port of MN 702. The MN 704 also adds the IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel 707 to MN 702 to its routing table. When therouting table and BC have been updated, then the MN 704 tunnels a BAmessage to the MN 702 inside the IPv4/UDP tunnel 707.15. BU: After the MN 704 has received the HoT and the CoT messages fromthe MN 702 it will send a BU to the MN 702 only if both of the messageshad the flag set to the reserved field. The BU is tunneled directly tothe IPv4 CoA and UDP port of MN 702. MN 704 also adds a BUL entry inwhich it adds the IPv6 HoA and CoA and the IPv4 CoA and UDP port of theMN 702. MN 704 also adds a routing table entry for the IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel 707 to MN 702.16. BU: The MN 702 adds a BC entry for the MN 704 when it receives theBU. Into this entry, the MN 702 adds the IPv6 HoA and CoA and the IPv4CoA and UDP port of the MN 704. The MN 702 also adds the IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel 707 to MN 704 to its routing table. When therouting table and BC have been updated, then the MN 702 tunnels a BAmessage to the MN 704 inside the IPv4/UDP tunnel 707.17. Route Optimized Data: After both MNs 702 and 704 have received a BAfor the BU's they sent, then the route optimization procedure has beenfinished and the IPv6 traffic between the two MNs 702 and 704 is routeddirectly to one and another inside the IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel707.18. BU (lifetime=0): If MN 702 for example moves to an IPv6 accessnetwork while it has binding with MN 704 which is attached to an IPv4access network it tunnels a BU message (lifetime=0) to the MN 704 viathe two HAs 706 and 708 after it has performed the home registration. Inthis BU, the lifetime for the binding is set to zero to let the MN 704know that the traffic can no longer be route optimized between the twoMNs 702 and 704. It should be appreciated that if one of the MNs 702 and704 move to another IPv4 access network the bindings between them needto be updated by sending a new BU which includes the new IPv4 CoA in the“IPv4 Care-of Address Option”.

In addition, the MN 702 (MN1) includes a routing table 726, a bindingupdate list 728, and a binding cache 730. And, the MN 704 (MN2) includesa routing table 732, a binding update list 734, and a binding cache 736.Exemplary routing tables 726 and 732, binding update lists 728 and 734and binding caches 730 and 736 are provided below:

MN1 Routing Table 726: Destination: Next hop: Intf: “HA1 IPv6” “HA1IPv4” UDP tunnelintf0 “MN2 IPv6 CoA” “MN2 IPv4 CoA” UDP tunnelintf1 “HA1IPv4” “default IPv4 router” intf0 “MN IPv4 CoA” “default IPv4 router”Intf0

MN1 Binding Update List 728: “MN2 IPv6 CoA”<-> “MN IPv6 CoA” <-> “MN1IPv6 HoA”<-> “HA IPv6” “MN2 IPv4 CoA”<-> “MN IPv4 CoA” <-> “MN IPv4 HoA”<-> “HA IPv4”

MN1 Binding Cache 730: “MN2 IPv6 HoA” <-> “MN2 IPv6 CoA” “MN2 IPv4 HoA”<-> “MN2 IPv4 CoA”

MN2 Routing Table 732: Destination: Next hop: Intf: “HA2 IPv6” “HA1IPv4” UDP tunnelintf0 “MN1 IPv6 CoA” “MN1 IPv4 CoA” UDP tunnelintf1 “HA2IPv4” “default IPv4 router” intf0 “MN1 IPv4 CoA” “default IPv4 router”Intf0

MN2 Binding Update List 734: “MN1 IPv6 CoA”<-> “MN2 IPv6 CoA” <-> “MN2IPv6 HoA”<-> “HA2 IPv6” “MN1 IPv4 CoA”<-> “MN2 IPv4 CoA” <-> “MN2 IPv4HoA”<-> “HA2 IPv4”

MN2 Binding Cache 736: “MN1 IPv6 HoA” <-> “MN1 IPv6 CoA” “MN IPv4 HoA”<-> “MN IPv4 CoA”

Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a diagram used to help explain howthe route optimizing method 600 enables an IPv6 MN 702 to retain itsreachability to another IPv6 MN 704 when both of them have moved toIPv4-private access networks 716 b and 714 b. As shown in FIG. 8, thefirst IPv6 MN 702 is located in an IPv4-private access network 716 bwhich has a NAT 726. The first MN 702 moved to the IPv4-private accessnetwork 716 b from a HL 720 which has a HA 708. The second IPv6 MN 704is located in an IPv4-private access network 714 b which has a NAT 728.The second MN 704 moved to the IPv4-private access network 714 b from aHL 724 which has a HA 706.

The MN 702 is able to communicate with the second MN 704 via theIPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel 707 as discussed above with respect toFIGS. 7A and 7B except that in this case the home registration procedureis different due to the presence of NATs 726 and 728. The differences inthe home registration process is described next. When the MN 702 (forexample) discovers that it is attached to an IPv4-private access network716 b it sends a BU message to it's HA 708. The MN 702 adds the “IPv4Care-of Address Option” to the BU message. In particular, the MN 702uses its IPv4 address as the care-of address and the source UDP port asthe UDP port. Because, the IPv4-private access network 716 b is behindNAT 726, the option will not get translated since it is inside the IPv6header and these headers are encrypted with IPSec. Thus, when the HA 708receives the BU it compares the source address and UDP port of the outerheaders of the tunneled packet with the IPv4 address and UDP port in the“IPv4 Care-of Address Option”. If they are different, then the HA 708copies the IPv4 source address and UDP port of the NAT 726 to the optionfrom the received IPv4 header. This option is added into the BA which issent back to the MN 702. In this way, when MN 702 receives the BA itwill know if it is situated behind a NAT. In addition, MN 702 knows theglobally routable IPv4 address and the UDP port which are needed fortunneling IPv6 traffic inside the IPv4/UDP tunnel 707. In this example,the same home registration procedure is followed by MN 704 since it islocated behind NAT 728. In addition, the MN 702 includes a routing table726, a binding update list 728, and a binding cache 730. And, the MN 704includes a routing table 732, a binding update list 734, and a bindingcache 736. Exemplary routing tables 726 and 732, binding update lists728 and 734 and binding caches 730 and 736 have been provided above.

It should be understood that the present invention can be used in otherscenarios in addition to the aforementioned scenarios discussed abovewith respect to FIGS. 3-8. The following TABLE indicates some of thedifferent scenarios in which the present invention can be utilized.

Another node Same Nodes in Mobile node (CN or MN) Home Network sameNetwork Comment Remote IPv4 Remote IPv4 No No Remote IPv4 Home No NoRemote IPv6 Home No No Tunnel not used (1) Home Remote IPv6 No No Tunnelnot used (2) Home Remote IPv4 No No Remote IPv4 Remote IPv4 Yes NoRemote IPv4 Home Yes No Remote IPv6 Home Yes No Tunnel not used (1) HomeRemote IPv4 Yes No Home Remote IPv6 Yes No Tunnel not used (2) RemoteIPv4 Remote IPv4 No Yes Remote IPv4 Home No Yes Remote IPv6 Home No YesTunnel not used (1) Remote IPv4 Remote IPv4 Yes Yes (1) In thisscenario, there will not be an IPv4/UDP tunnel set up between the MN andanother node but the flags in the HoTI/HoT and CoTI/CoT messages must beused. (2) See comment 1 above and also if the another node is only a CNit can't move to another network so this scenario is logical only if theanother node is a MN.

Following are some additional features associated with the routeoptimization method 600:

If a third MN (not shown) that does not support the solution of thepresent invention, receives tunneled traffic from MN 702 (for example)which adds the “IPv4 Care-of Address Option” into the IPv6 headers ofthe packets it won't be able to perform the route optimization procedurewith this MN 702. Because, while the MN 702 is in the IPv4 accessnetwork, the IPv6 CoA of the MN 702 is not a globally routable IPv6address and the HoTI and CoTI messages which the third MN sends can notbe received by MN 702.

If a third MN (not shown) that does not support the solution of thepresent invention, receives tunneled traffic from the MN 702 (forexample) and both of these MNs are attached to an IPv6 access network(not shown) then the two MNs will not complete the route optimization.Because, the third MN will not set the flag in the reserved field of theHoTI/HoT and CoTI/CoT messages. Moreover, the traffic will not be routeoptimized between the two nodes because MN 702 can not guarantee that itwon't move at some point of time to an IPv4 access network and if thishappens the MN 702 can not be sure that the third MN supports thetunneled BU (with lifetime set to zero).

While a MN 702 (for example) is attached to an IPv4 access network 716it adds the “IPv4 Care-of Address Option” to its IPv6 packets. If the MN702 continuously receives tunneled traffic from a third MN that does notimplement the present invention, then MN 702 might make a note of thefact that the third MN does not support route optimization and stopadding these options into the packets to reduce the overhead of thepackets.

The “IPv4 Care-of Address Option” could be TLV coded and it must holdthe IPv4 care of address and the UDP port. This information could alsobe encoded into the IPv6 CoA of the MN 702 and 704 when it is attachedto an IPv4 access network, but then some flag is needed to inform thereceiver that the CoA is not a globally routable IPv6 address. Thiscould be done with for example using RH2 which is specified in theaforementioned RFC 3775. The present invention is a more simple solutioneven though it adds some overhead to the traffic.

If MN 702 (for example) moves from one IPv4 access network to anotherIPv4 access network, then it must register its new IPv4 Care-of Addresswith the HA 708. This is done by tunneling the BU inside the IPv4/UDPtunnel. After this, the MN 702 can refresh all the bindings in itsbinding update list (BUL) with the new IPv4 Care-of Address. The MN 702then sends a BU to each MN/CN it has a binding with to inform them thatits Care-of address has changed. After this, all the traffic can be sentto its new location.

If one of the MNs (e.g., MN 702) moves to an IPv6 network while theother MN (e.g., MN 704) stays in the IPv4 network, then the establishedbi-directional tunnel must be deleted from the routing tables in MNs 702and 704. The MN 702 which has made the move from an IPv4 access networkto an IPv6 access network can initiate this by tunneling the BU messagewith lifetime=0 through it's HA 708. When the receiving MN 704 receivesthis tunneled BU from it's HA 706, it checks its Binding Update List(BUL) and BC with the Home Address of the tunneled packet and deletesthe corresponding BUL entry. After this, the traffic between the two MNs702 and 704 needs to be tunneled via their HA's 706 and 708. A similarprocedure is also performed if the two MNs 702 and 704 have optimizedthe routing between them while they both are in IPv6 access networks andone of them moves to an IPv4 access network. The BU with lifetime=0 willbe tunneled via HA to the other MN.

The present invention can also be used if anyone of the MNs is connectedto an intranet, extranet and even anyone of the MNs is connected to anintranet/extranet which is then connected to the Internet.

Although two embodiments of the present invention have been illustratedin the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it should be understood that the invention is not limitedto the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements,modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of theinvention as set forth and defined by the following claims.

1. A mobile node that communicates with another node by transmitting andreceiving IPv6 traffic within an IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel throughan IP network without routing the IPv6 traffic through a home agent ofthe mobile node, wherein at least one of the mobile node and the anothernode is located in an IPv4 access.
 2. The mobile node of claim 1,wherein said IPv4 access network is an IPv4 public access network or anIPv4 private access network.
 3. The mobile node of claim 1, wherein bothof the nodes are located in the same or different IPv4 access networksor one of the nodes is located in an IPv6 access network which also hasan IPv4 communication connectivity.
 4. The mobile node of claim 1,wherein when said another node is a correspondent node then said mobilenode performs the following steps: determining if said correspondentnode has an IPv4 capability: if yes, determining if said correspondentnode can establish said IPv4/üDP tunnel: if yes, establishing saidIPv4/UDP tunnel with said correspondent node; and routing said IPv6traffic to said correspondent node within said IPv4/UDP tunnel.
 5. Themobile node of claim 4, wherein said second determining step and saidestablishing step further includes: sending, via a home agent, a HoTImessage to an IPv6/IPv4 address of said correspondent node, wherein saidHoTI message has a set flag indicating a desire to establish saidIPv4/UDP tunnel; sending a CoTI message to an IPv4 address and a UDPport of said correspondent node, wherein said CoTI message has a setflag indicating a desire to establish said IPv4/UDP tunnel; receiving,from said correspondent node via said home agent, a HoT message with aset flag indicating said correspondent node is capable of tunneling saidIPv6 traffic in said IPv4/UDP tunnel, receiving, from said correspondentnode, a CoT message with a set flag indicating said correspondent nodeis capable of tunneling said IPv6 traffic in said IPv4/UDP tunnel;sending a BU message within said IPv4/UDP tunnel to said correspondentnode; and receiving, from said correspondent node, a BA message that wassent within said IPv4/UDP tunnel.
 6. The mobile node of claim 1, whereinwhen said another node is a second mobile node then said mobile nodeperforms the following steps: determining if said second mobile node hasan IPv4 capability; if yes, determining if said second mobile node canestablish said IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel; if yes, establishing saidIPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel with second mobile node; and routing saidIPv6 traffic within said IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel between saidfirst IPv6 mobile node and said second IPv6 mobile node.
 7. The mobilenode of claim 6, wherein said two determining steps and saidestablishing step performed by said first mobile node includes: checkingif said second mobile node has an IPv4 care-of address and UDP port;sending, via the home agent of the first mobile node and the home agentof the second mobile node, a HoTI message to an IPv6/IPv4 address ofsaid second mobile node, wherein said HoTI message has a set flagindicating a desire to establish said IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel;sending a CoTI message to an IPv4 address and a UDP port of said secondmobile node, wherein said CoTI message has a set flag indicating adesire to establish said IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel; receiving, fromsaid second mobile node via the home agent of the first mobile node andthe home agent of the second mobile node, a HoT message with a set flagindicating said second mobile node is capable of tunneling said IPv6traffic in said IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel; receiving, from saidsecond mobile node, a CoT message with a set flag indicating said secondmobile node is capable of tunneling said IPv6 traffic in said IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel; sending a BU message within said IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel to said second mobile node; and receiving, fromsaid second mobile node, a BA message that was sent within said IPv4/UDPtunnel.
 8. The mobile node of claim 6, wherein: said first mobile nodeis located behind a network address translator associated with saidfirst IPv4 access network; and/or said second mobile node is locatedbehind a network address translator associated with said second IPv4access network.
 9. A method for route optimization between a mobile nodeand another node, where at least one of the mobile node and the anothernode is located in an IPv4 access network, said method comprising thestep of: enabling said mobile node to communicate with said another node(404, 704) by transmitting and receiving IPv6 traffic within an IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel through an IP network without routing the IPv6traffic through a home agent of the mobile node, wherein said mobilenode and said another node each have an IPv4 and IPv6 capability. 10.The method of claim 9, wherein said mobile node is attached to said IPv4access network and said mobile node performs a home registrationprocedure with said home agent that assigns said mobile node an IPv4care-of address.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein when said anothernode is a correspondent node then said enabling step further includes.determining if said correspondent node has an IPv4 capability: if yes,determining if said correspondent node can establish said IPv4/UDPtunnel: if yes, establishing said IPv4/UDP tunnel with saidcorrespondent node; and routing said IPv6 traffic to said correspondentnode within said IPv4/UDP tunnel.
 12. The method of claim 11, whereinsaid first determining step further includes: checking if saidcorrespondent node has an IPv4 care-of address and UDP port.
 13. Themethod of claim 11, wherein said second determining step and saidestablishing step further includes: sending, via a home agent, a HoTImessage to an IPv6/IPv4 address of said correspondent node, wherein saidHoTI message has a set flag indicating a desire to establish saidIPv4/UDP tunnel; sending a CoTI message to an IPv4 address and a UDPport of said correspondent node, wherein said CoTI message has a setflag indicating a desire to establish said IPv4/UDP tunnel; receiving,from said correspondent node via said home agent, a HoT message with aset flag indicating said correspondent node is capable of tunneling saidIPv6 traffic in said IPv4/UDP tunnel; receiving, from said correspondentnode, a CoT message with a set flag indicating said correspondent nodeis capable of tunneling said IPv6 traffic in said IPv4/UDP tunnel;sending a BU message within said IPv4/UDP tunnel to said correspondentnode; and receiving, from said correspondent node, a BA message that wassent within said IPv4/üDP tunnel.
 14. The method of claim 10, whereinsaid mobile node is located behind a network address translatorassociated with said IPv4 access network.
 15. The method of claim 10,wherein said IPv4 access network is an IPv4 public access network or anIPv4 private access network and wherein said another node is located inan IPv6 access network or an IPv4/IPv6 access network.
 16. The method ofclaim 11, wherein said correspondent node is a mobile node.
 17. Themethod of claim 10, wherein when said another node is a second mobilenode then said enabling step further includes: said first mobile nodeperforming the following steps: determining if said second mobile nodehas an IPv4 capability; if yes, determining if said second mobile nodecan establish said IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel; if yes, establishingone direction of said IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel with second mobilenode; and said second IPv6 mobile node performing the following stepsdetermining if said first mobile node has an IPv4 capability: if yes,determining if said first mobile node can establish said IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel; if yes, establishing another direction of saidIPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel with first mobile node; and said firstmobile node and said second mobile node performing the following step:routing said IPv6 traffic within said IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnelbetween said first IPv6 mobile node and said second IPv6 mobile node 18.The method of claim 17, wherein said two determining steps and saidestablishing step performed by-said first mobile node includes: checkingif said second mobile node has an IPv4 care-of address and UDP port:sending, via the home agent of the first mobile node and the home agentof the second mobile node, a HoTI message to an IPv6/IPv4 address ofsaid second mobile node, wherein said HoTI message has a set flagindicating a desire to establish said IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel;sending a CoTI message to an IPv4 address and a UDP port of said secondmobile node wherein said CoTI message has a set flag indicating a desireto establish said IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel; receiving, from saidsecond mobile node via the home agent of the first mobile node and thehome agent of the second mobile node, a HoT message with a set flagindicating said second mobile node is capable of tunneling said IPv6traffic in said IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel; receiving, from saidsecond mobile node, a CoT message with a set flag indicating said secondmobile node is capable of tunneling said IPv6 traffic in said IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel; sending a BU message within said IPv4/UDPbidirectional tunnel to said second mobile node; and receiving, fromsaid second mobile node, a BA message that was sent within said IPv4/UDPtunnel.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein: said first mobile node islocated behind a network address translator associated with said firstIPv4 access network; and/or said second mobile node is located behind anetwork address translator associated with said second IPv4 accessnetwork.
 20. A telecommunications network characterized by: a mobilenode, and an another node, wherein said mobile node communicates withsaid another node by transmitting and receiving IPv6 traffic within anIPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel through an IP network without routing theIPv6 traffic through a home agent of the mobile node, wherein at leastone of the mobile node and the another node is located in an IPv4 accessnetwork.
 21. The telecommunications network of claim 20, wherein whensaid another node is a correspondent node, then said mobile nodecommunicates with said another node by performing the following steps:determining if said correspondent node has an IPv4 capability; if yes,determining if said correspondent node can establish said IPv4/UDPtunnel; if yes, establishing said IPv4/UDP tunnel with saidcorrespondent node; and routing said IPv6 traffic to said correspondentnode within said IPv4/UDP tunnel.
 22. The telecommunications network ofclaim 20, wherein when said mobile node is a first mobile node and saidanother node is a second mobile node, then said first mobile nodeperforms the following steps: determining if said second mobile node hasan IPv4 capability; if yes, determining if said second mobile node canestablish said IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel; if yes, establishing onedirection of said IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel with second mobilenode; and wherein said second mobile node performs the following steps:determining if said first mobile node has an IPv4 capability; if yes,determining if said first mobile node can establish said IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel; if yes, establishing (612) another direction ofsaid IPv4/UDP bi-directional tunnel with the first mobile node; andwherein said first mobile node and said second mobile node perform thefollowing step: routing said IPv6 traffic within said IPv4/UDPbi-directional tunnel between said first mobile node and said secondmobile node.
 23. The telecommunications network of claim 20, whereinsaid mobile node is located in the IPv4 access network and said mobilenode completes a home registration process with a home agent in a homeaccess network to obtain a globally routable IPv4 address and UDP port.24. The network of claim 20, wherein said mobile node uses an IPv4Care-of Address Option to distribute a globally routable IPv4 addressand UDP port.
 25. The network of claim 20, wherein said mobile nodedistributes a globally routable IPv4 address and UDP port by using RH2and encoding the globally routable IPv4 address and UDP port in an IPv6Care-of Address.